A driver was found dead after a vehicle was discovered submerged in a canal near James Road and Lincoln Avenue in Fresno County, authorities said.

On Saturday, at approximately 6:43 a.m., the California Highway Patrol Fresno Communications Center received a report of a possible traffic collision after a passerby saw the wheels of a submerged vehicle in a canal on James Road, south of Lincoln Avenue.

A CHP officer responded and confirmed a vehicle was submerged. With assistance from a Fresno County Fire boat rescue team, a white 2016 Toyota Corolla was recovered from the water.

Inside the vehicle, responders located an unidentified Hispanic male believed to be in his early 20s. Despite rescue efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.

Investigators said the Toyota was traveling on James Road toward Lincoln Avenue when, for reasons still under investigation, the driver failed to negotiate a left curve and continued straight into the canal. Officials have not determined when the crash occurred.

Authorities said whether drugs or alcohol were factors remains under investigation.

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The crash remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the CHP Fresno Area Office at (559) 705-2200.

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